Thankyou Gentlemen for all the replies.
I have a friend here who has the Elinchrom Quadra setup, so I have heard of that. Colin that series of the full sz firefighters is amazing & the group lighting setup none the less so!
I understand the professional quality look is not easy, I think I will stick with the strobes as that is what I have and know how to use. I may hire some studio gear & practice with it before next year.
I found a very similar thread when searching for image e.g's so I am thinking sports action enthusiasts like me get asked to do this a bit.
These examples were done with 2 or 3 lights, but each player individually then the group put together in post! Not an option for me for 21 teams or indeed my level of post processing skills
And again while these look cool & edgy, maybe the family of a child in shadow might not be happy.
Other people involved with my group have done the following e.g's
And normally the dark cave behind is not what we like, but I think it has a different feel and it's own appeal and style.
This is my version from last year, lots of room for improvement, but outside the green painted area, you can see the dark floor, that I am complaining about.
So I will go with the speedlights up high and stick with the light everyone evenly I think. It is not as exciting, but I think safest in this instance.
Then hire a portable studio light setup & have a try with that in the off season
I will also go out again to the events & just see if there is a change room or something that might work....you never know it might be outdoors weather
& Ken, your Rugby team look gorgeous, I am homesick! Being an expat Southlander!